New Jersey Policy Perspective produces independent research and analysis on policy solutions to advance social, economic, and racial justice. From data-driven reports to policy briefs and explainers, we work to provide lawmakers, legislative staff, advocates, community leaders, and reporters with the facts and figures behind the most pressing policy issues facing the Garden State.

Report

Gutted: New Jersey’s Shrinking Public Workforce

November 10, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice
The state has eliminated nearly 20,000 positions even as population has grown, leaving residents with worse service and higher costs.
Report

The $200 Barrier to Justice: Why NJ Must Eliminate Municipal Public Defender Fees

October 31, 2025 • Marleina Ubel • Public Safety
Despite the constitutional right to an attorney, municipal courts charge up to $200 for public defenders, pushing low-income residents into debt.
Report

Resetting School Funding for New Jersey’s Next Decade

October 29, 2025 • Mark Weber • Education
New Jersey can adjust the school funding formula so all students receive an education that meets the state’s new, higher standards.
Blog•Explainer

How Does New Jersey Fund Its Schools — And How Can We Make It Fairer?

October 24, 2025 • Mark Weber • Education
A guide to understanding New Jersey's school funding formula and closing gaps for students who need resources most.
Blog

Census 2024: Economic Gains Bypass Many New Jersey Communities

October 21, 2025 • Tonanziht Aguas • Economic Justice
Nearly one in 10 New Jerseyans still lived below the poverty level last year.
Report

Freedom from Want: An Economic Guarantee for New Jersey’s Kids

September 10, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice
Two pathways can dramatically reduce child poverty and ensure all families in New Jersey have what they need through cash assistance programs.
Testimony

Federal Leaders Should Protect Access to Critical Health Programs

August 14, 2025 • Brittany Holom-Trundy • Health
NJPP Research Director Brittany Holom-Trundy urges U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to protect vital programs and services.
Testimony

State Lawmakers Should Protect Residents from Federal Cuts to Vital Services

August 7, 2025 • Alex Ambrose • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
NJPP Research Team pens an open letter urging state lawmakers to take steps toward protecting vital programs facing federal cuts.
Report

Sleepwalking into Catastrophe

July 8, 2025 • Alex Ambrose • Tax and Budget
NJPP's research team evaluates whether Governor Murphy's final budget proposal sufficiently advances economic, social, and racial justice.
Report

Course Correction: Preserving Senior Housing Affordability While Cutting Costs

June 17, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice, Tax and Budget
With changes to the current program, Stay NJ can become more fiscally sustainable while helping seniors in most need of housing assistance.
Testimony

Economic Development Tax Credits Should Provide Positive Net-Benefits to New Jersey’s Communities

June 16, 2025 • Peter Chen • Tax and Budget
Testimony from NJPP Senior Policy Analyst Peter Chen in support of added statutory guardrails and accountability to tax credits for economic development projects.
Testimony

Federal Leaders Should Preserve the Quality of SNAP Data to Protect Program Integrity

June 16, 2025 • Brittany Holom-Trundy • Health
Comment from NJPP Senior Policy Analyst Dr. Brittany Holom-Trundy in support of preserving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Explainer

Why Are New Jersey’s Electricity Bills Going Up, and What Does PJM Have to Do With It?

May 29, 2025 • Alex Ambrose • Climate
The primary reason your rates are going up is because of an organization you’ve likely never heard of: PJM.
Report

The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of Mass Deportation: What’s at Risk in New Jersey

May 20, 2025 • Marleina Ubel • Immigrants' Rights
In addition to causing serious social and humanitarian harm, deportation efforts pose significant economic risks to New Jersey.
Testimony

Legislators Must Protect the Rights of New Jerseyans & Invest in Long-Term Solutions for Mental Health Care

May 19, 2025 • Brittany Holom-Trundy • Health
Testimony from Senior Policy Analyst Dr. Brittany Holom-Trundy opposing the permanent extension of involuntary commitment length.
Testimony

Federal Medicaid Reductions Would Have Disastrous Effects on New Jersey’s Communities

May 6, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice, Health
Testimony from NJPP Senior Policy Analyst Peter Chen in support of protecting federal Medicaid spending and balancing state funds.
Testimony

Data Centers Should Bring Their Own Clean Energy to New Jersey

May 5, 2025 • Alex Ambrose • Climate
Testimony from NJPP Policy Analyst Alex Ambrose in support of requiring data centers to supply their own supplemental energy sources.
Testimony

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Should Investigate PJM Pricing

May 5, 2025 • Alex Ambrose • Climate
Testimony from NJPP Policy Analyst Alex Ambrose in support of increasing transparency and accountability for PJM to lower utility costs.
Blog

A LI“HEAP” of Trouble: Slashing Federal Utility Assistance Will Hurt New Jersey Seniors, Families, and Working-Class Households

April 23, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice
Ahead of record-high energy costs expected this summer, lawmakers must protect energy assistance for New Jersey's low-income families.
Testimony

End the Unjust Subminimum Wage for Tipped Workers

April 10, 2025 • Peter Chen • Economic Justice
Testimony from NJPP Senior Policy Analyst Peter Chen in support of eliminating subminimum wage for tipped workers.
Report

New Jersey Pensions Are the Least Generous in the U.S. For New Teachers

March 26, 2025 • Mark Weber • Education
As the state struggles with a growing teacher shortage, quality retirement benefits are a major barrier to recruitment and retention.
Blog

Dismantling U.S. Dept. of Ed. is Costly and Inefficient for New Jersey

March 20, 2025 • Mark Weber • Education
Trump Administration efforts to dismantle USED would have far-reaching and long-term disastrous effects for communities across New Jersey.
Testimony

Legislature Must Raise Revenue, Support Working Families in FY 2026 Budget

March 19, 2025 • Peter Chen • Tax and Budget
Testimony of Peter Chen, Senior Policy Analyst, in support of raising sustainable, equitable revenue for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Proposal
Blog

Medicaid Cuts and Red Tape Jeopardize Health Care for Over 750,000 New Jerseyans

March 13, 2025 • Peter Chen • Health
Harmful federal proposals undermine affordability, strain the state’s budget, and put New Jerseyans at risk of losing health insurance.
Blog

From Health Care to Highways: How Federal Funding Shapes New Jersey

March 12, 2025 • Alex Ambrose • Tax and Budget
Federal budget cuts would lead to reductions in state agency funding and essential services that New Jersey families rely on.

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